NATO boosts support to Afghanistan war; Falls short of goal

BRUSSELS – NATO officials say that after months of lobbying allies to increase their troop contributions for the Afghanistan war, the alliance came up short, meeting a bit more than 90 percent of the military requirements outlined by commanders.

U.S. military leaders, however, say they are encouraged by the continuing discussions with several nations who may eventually agree to increase their commitments to the 16-year-old war.

Army Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti says that coming out of today's meeting of NATO defense ministers, NATO won't meet 100 percent of the requirements. But he says there are ongoing discussions with several nations.

Scaparrotti declined to provide details on the numbers.

Other NATO officials confirmed there would be a shortfall approaching 10 percent. The officials weren't authorized to discuss the numbers publicly so spoke anonymously.